Learn to co-exist with mountain black bears

Mountain visitors and residents can learn more about their black bear neighbors at an upcoming seminar.

A program called “Understanding Our Black Bears” and a dinner will be held Monday, June 1, at the Sapphire Valley Resort’s Community Center. The program is free, but the meal, available from 5 to 6:45 p.m., is $10 for adults and $6 for children. The program will follow. Reservations are recommended but not required.

The program is sponsored by Mountain Wildlife Days, along with the Sapphire Valley Master Association, to educate folks about living safely with black bears. The event is open to all residents and visitors.

Russ Regnery, president of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society will open the evening focusing on black bears and backyard bird feeders as a source of food. Wendy Henkel, a local black bear advocate, will share information to help the general public develop a deeper appreciation of black bears. In addition, she will distribute literature with tips on co-existing with black bears.